Legs... [View All]

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

While channel-surfing this evening, I came across three channels that were discussing the Downing Street Minutes. Simultaneously. In Prime Time. This story officially has legs, and I'd like to encourage all 70,000+ DU'ers to help keep it moving.

Step One. Go the DU Media Blaster. It's located at here. Enter the information that's appropriate for where you live and follow the directions.

Step Two. Compose a brief letter to the editor. It should be 150-250 words (200 words or less is better). DO NOT USE PROFANITY and avoid name-calling and "wild accusations." Simply demand that with 1,700 combat deaths and climbing, the Bush Administration owes the American people a full accounting of how we came to be at war in Iraq.

Step Three. If your congressional representative is a Democrat or a comparatively sane Republican (especially one who may be facing a tough re-election campaign next year), compose a brief e-mail message that says you demand an accounting for why the United States finds itself at war in Iraq. If you don't have your representative's e-mail, you can find it here.

Step Four. If your newspaper doesn't print your letter -- or any other letters demanding an explanation -- Repeat Step Two. If you still don't see anything, call the newspaper's ombudsman or circulation desk and complain. Let the media know that we demand answers.

Step Five. If your representative doesn't respond to your letter, Repeat Step Three. If you still don't hear anything, call his/her local office and state your opinion directly.

I know that this is a lot of work (not a lot, when you consider the sacrifice being made by our troops in Iraq and their families). But it's necessary that the media doesn't decide to let this story drop after 48 or 72 hours. Conservative activists have used this method for years to browbeat the media -- now it's our turn.